New $300 million CBD tower heralds rising economic confidence

Signalling resurging confidence in Queensland’s economic future, construction of a new $300 million Brisbane CBD commercial building was officially launched last week with a traditional Japanese sake barrel ceremony.

The 34 storey building, called 180 Brisbane, is being developed by Japanese property developers Daisho Group at 180 Ann Street. It is the first commercial high-rise to be built in Brisbane on-spec (without pre-commitments) since the Global Financial Crisis.

Today, Daisho Group Founder Katsumi Tada and Queensland Treasurer Tim Nicholls officially launched construction with a Japanese sake barrel ceremony, accompanied by Japanese taiko drummers. Up to 100 potential tenants and representatives from Brisbane’s property and business community attended.

180 Brisbane will set a new benchmark for city buildings with a striking facade showcasing the Brisbane River, smart technology and environmentally sustainable design features targeting a 6 Star Green Star Office Design V3 rating.

Daisho Group General Manager Yasuo Iwasaki said the new project signified the renaissance of Brisbane’s CBD property sector with the potential to inspire further confidence in the city and state’s future.

“As Watpac begins principal construction works, local and interstate companies are showing keen interest in becoming tenants of 180 Brisbane when it is completed in late 2015. These include mining and resource companies, professional service firms and others looking to establish or expand their presence in the Brisbane CBD,” he said.

“Daisho has owned 192 Ann Street since 2001 and 180 Brisbane will be another high-quality addition to the city and Daisho’s long-term investment here. It will also rejuvenate the CBD by forming a new hub which links key parts of the city’s centre.”

Colliers International and Knight Frank are the leasing agents for 180 Brisbane. Any leasing enquiries should be directed to either Mark McCann (Colliers) on 3370 1781 or Graham Clarkson (Knight Frank) on 3246 8815.

Daisho Group is an international property developer with a portfolio of world-class assets. The company’s current property holdings exceed US$1.5 billion and include properties in Japan, Malaysia and Australia. In Australia, it also owns the Park Hyatt in Sydney.

180 Brisbane by numbers

• The new tower will feature 59,100 square metres of A-Grade commercial space, ground floor and podium retail (including a food court), extensive end-of-trip facilities and basement parking.
• It has been designed to achieve a 6 Star Green Star and 5.5 Star NABERS Rating.Designed by renowned architects Crone Partners, the striking tower design will feature large floor plates, podium levels and side-core configurations to enhance the flexibility of work space configurations.
• It will also include a huge artistic imprint of the Brisbane River on its facade, a “green wall” and a public plaza to integrate the ground plane with neighbouring 192 Ann Street.
• The distinctive and eye-catching river-shaped graphic wrapping around its exterior will stamp the tower as an iconic landmark. The design and location of the building core to the southwest side of the building, coupled with the large floor plates provides consolidated uninterrupted office floor space
• The building’s orientation and side core maximises the excellent views over the Central Business District, Southbank and the North West and mountains. A creative use of glass ensures an abundance of natural lighting.
• The building will provide a 24 hour pedestrian thoroughfare between Ann Street and Turbot Street, along with retail over two podium levels and an office lobby. A midpodium food court will overlook Ann Street.
• Sustainability specialists worked with the 180 Brisbane design team to ensure the building performs very highly across all sustainability measures.
• The building will target Brisbane’s first 6 Star Greenstar Office V3 GBCA grading and 5.5 Star NABERS Energy rating.
• Apart from reduced water and energy consumption, the design of 180 Brisbane promotes a positive and healthy work environment to maximise productivity.

View Larger Map